LL COOL J Talks 12th Annual Jump & Ball Tournament In Queens

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Kids in Queens are hitting the court this weekend as part of the 12th annual Jump & Ball Tournament.

The five-week athletic program takes place every August and aims at providing free, fun activities for hundreds of kids in Queens while teaching them team building and leadership skills.

The sponsor and founder of the event is rapper, entertainer and Queens native LL COOL J, who spoke with 1010 WINS in a one-on-one interview at Daniel O'Connell Park on Saturday.

An avid philanthropist, he said he's trying to give back to his local community.

"I just feel good that we've been doing this for so long -- 12 years is a big deal for me," he said. "This is like one of the things that I'm most proud of."

He said the program features basketball and double-dutch competitions, among other activities.

To see the full interview with LL COOL J, watch the video above.